A FORMER Denbighshire ex-pat who returned to the UK for life-saving cancer treatment after living in Mexico is looking to trace his old Welsh college friends.

In 2001, Andy Wadeson, 66, originally from Llandegla, moved to Mexico, mainly living in the Leon and San Luis Potosi areas, for about 10 years.

When he became ill with cancer, he was treated in Mexico and the UK, and after periods living in both countries, he finally came home permanently. In 2013 he had a tumour removed at the Royal Hammersmith Hospital in London.

Now, retired, and living in Lincolnshire, after successful treatment, the dad of three and grandad of four, is hoping to trace his old friends in North Wales.

Between 1972 - 1974, Andy spent two years at Llandrillo College, in Rhos on Sea, studying on a hospitality course. He is now searching for his fellow students and old friends, who lived in the areas of Denbighshire, Anglesey, Llyn Peninsula, Caernarfon, Blaenaue Ffestiniog and across the North Wales region.

Andy said: “When a life-threatening illness like this hits you, a period of reflection sets in.

“I came back to the UK and had the offending tumour removed. I’m pleased to say that my operation was successful and I am now fully recovered and enjoying my retirement.”

“But you can’t help but look back on your life and remember past experiences, the people you shared them with and what became of those old friends. I am a Welshman and never forgot my old home and life.

“I’d love to get in touch with my friends again, it’s that old sense of Hiraeth. I’d love to see how life has treated them.

“I’d especially be delighted to hear from Billy Jones from Blaenau Ffestiniog, and Cathy Roberts, who lived in Capel Coch, near Llangefni, around 1972. I’d be massively grateful to anyone who could bring this article to the attention of any of the Coleg Llandrillo alumni, from 1972 too.”

During his time in Mexico, Andy fell in love with the country.

He said: “I became very fond of the country and the people I came to know as friends, and despite all its problems, I met nothing but kindness there.

“I built a house, and in the local cantina, bar, I would have fun teaching the locals words and phrases that would make Her Majesty faint!

“I like to think I represented Wales and the UK well, apart from on one occasion when I left my fellow lunch guests incapacitated with laughter at the sight of me attempting to eat tacos with a knife and fork!”

“But when I became ill, I came home, it was a horrible decision to leave. I had a wonderful life. As a Welshman, I never forgot my old Llandrillo College  friends. It would be great to find them again.”

Contact Reporter Dale Spridgeon on 01248 387418 or dale.spridgeon@newsquest.co.uk